Best Mother’s Day Events In Detroit

May 10, 2013 8:00 AM

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Moms work hard taking care of their families, and on the second Sunday in May, we take a moment to thank them for the love and care they give so freely throughout the year. Mother’s Day isn’t limited to your own mom, though – the holiday has evolved to include women who have had an influence in your life, whatever the relationship. From a simple flower to a lavish meal, Mother’s Day gives us the opportunity to let others know we appreciate them. Whether it’s your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin or daughter, Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the important women in your life.

Enjoy the Detroit Zoo’s annual “breakfast among the butterflies” event at the Zoo’s world renowned Butterfly Garden, featuring hundreds of free-flying beauties from 70 species of butterfly. The brunch is held in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, a one-of-a-kind attraction that utilizes art, nature and technology to help visitors truly experience and understand wildlife. Kids will have the opportunity to hand-craft a special gift for mom to remember the day. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for children 14 and under and include Zoo admission and parking; Detroit Zoological Society members receive a $5 discount per ticket.

For an elegant Mother’s Day celebration, treat mom to brunch at The Henry Ford’s Lovett Hall Ballroom. The luxurious 1930’s ballroom is where Henry Ford entertained his most prominent guests, and the vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers and grand staircase capture the lush feeling of that earlier time. A menu prepared by The Henry Ford’s award-winning catering staff is sure to please any palate, with choices including simple yet elegant pastries and fruits, create-your-own omelet and waffle stations, roast beef and salmon carving stations and entrees such as lemon rosemary roast chicken, cavatapi in pesto cream and potato-crusted whitefish with cucumber dill sauce – all followed up with a dessert table and sweets station. Prices for non-members are $58 for ages 13 and up, $29 for youth ages five to 12; member prices are $49 and $25, respectively. Kids four and under are free, and reservations are required.

Celebrate Mother’s Day a day early at The Community House in Birmingham’s annual Mother-Daughter Tea, which is also open to grandmothers, aunts, nieces, friends and babysitters. The Community House Ballet Ensemble will perform for the attendees and a storyteller will also be performing. Tea, sweets and punch will be served and there will be group activities. Girls ages eight and under are encouraged to bring their favorite doll. This is a dress-up event. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

Take a stab at preemptively burning off those Mother’s Day brunch calories by participating in Harrison Township’s Run Like A Mother 10k/5k Fun Run. The event raises funds for the Parks and Recreation Department programs. A one-mile fun walk and the 10k run start at 10:30 a.m.; the 5k run/walk starts at 10:40 a.m. All ages and fitness levels are welcome on the flat, fast course. The event is timed but not certified. Prizes are awarded three deep in each age bracket and promotional raffle items will be given away after the race is completed. Entertainment and refreshments will also be provided. Entry fees are $18 for pre-registration in each event, $15 for ages 65 plus. Kids eight and under are free with a parent’s registration. Families with three or more registrants over eight years old are $15 each. Pre-registration ends on May 4. From May 5 through the day of the race, registration is $20 and $18 for ages 65 and up.

Spring takes its time coming to Michigan, with cold nights and late frosts well into April and even early May. With Easter early this year, for many, Mother’s Day will be the kick-off spring weekend. What better way to celebrate than to treat mom to a bunch of beautiful flowers to brighten up her porch or deck? The Matthei Botanical Gardens at the University of Michigan will hold its annual Mother’s Day Spring Plant Sale weekend on Saturday and Sunday, featuring a wide variety of hanging baskets and containers to suit any budget and style. Admission to the Plant Sale is free; proceeds benefit the Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.
Related: Best Mother’s Day Brunch In Detroit

Jennifer Walker is a freelance writer living in Detroit. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.